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NILES — Niles’ trees and stumps will now be serviced by a new company.

The Niles City Council voted 6-1 to award a contract for the removal of 90 dead, dying, and dangerous trees, along with 93 stumps, to Ark Tree Services of Niles. The bid was awarded after a competitive process that saw eight bids opened on Monday, Oct. 6, with Ark Tree Services submitting the low bid of $57,642. The trees were identified across various city properties, including street rights-of-way, parks, the cemetery, and the golf course, following a city-wide survey in September.

Hart Line had been the contracted company the previous two years. Councilmember Gretchen Bertschy was the lone dissenting vote and encouraged the council to vote no while it was recommended by Mayor Nick Shelton and others that the city give Ark Tree Service a chance because they were the lowest bidder and received good recommendations. 

During the discussion regarding the tree removal contract, City Administrator Ric Huff clarified the city’s past experience with the bidding contractors in response to questions from Shelton. Huff confirmed that the low bidder, Ark Tree Services, has no prior experience working for the City of Niles. The second lowest bidder, Payne, has had favorable prior experience with the city.

Huff confirmed that Hart Line also has prior favorable experience with the city. When Hart Line was initially awarded a contract two years ago, they did not have prior experience with the city but were the lowest bidder at the time, much like Ark Tree Service today.

The project is strategically scheduled during the off-season. Winter tree removal is preferred because the trees lack leaves, and the firm ground minimizes potential damage. All tree removal work must be completed by March 1. The stump removal and restoration work is scheduled for the spring to ensure grass seed will germinate with the warmer weather and spring rains. Stump removal with topsoil must be completed by March 30, and the final raking and seeding must be done no sooner than March 1 and no later than April 15.

In other business, the council moved 6-1 to approve a pair of annual fall events in Fall Fest and the Thanksgiving Day Run and Walk. 

Fall fest will take place Saturday, Oct. 25 and will feature a variety of activities including:

• Artisan Market Iron Shoe Distillery (noon)
• Niles History Center Odd and Unusual Tour (all weekend)
• Pumpkin decorating at the Niles District Library (10 a.m)
• Pumpkin decorating contest at the Niles History Center (noon)
• Walk of the Witches (2:30 p.m.)
• Games @ The NODE (noon to 4 p.m.)
• Pet Costume Contest at Iron Shoe Distillery
• DJ, Musicians, and Vendors at The NODE
• Downtown Trick-or-Treating (4 to 5 p.m.)
• Thriller Community Dance (5:30)
• Ring Lardner Choir performing Disney Villains’ Songs, dressed in character

The Thanksgiving Day Run and Walk will take place Thursday, Nov. 27 and includes a 10K run, 5K run/walk, and one-mile fun run with approximately 2,500 participants collectively. The event starts and finishes on 2nd Street along the east side of the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. Barricades will be provided by the Street Department and traffic control by the Niles Police Department.

The budget impact for Fall Fest would be $60 incurred by the police department and $1,340 total for the Thanksgiving Day Run from the Street, Police and Fire Departments.

Councilmember Michael Thompson cast the lone dissenting votes on both items because he does not believe the city should contribute funds toward events.

In further business, council:

• Adopted the CDBG Citizen Participation Plan, as revised.
• Approved the assignment of airport Ground Lease from Larry Fischer to Adrianna Reeves with an expiration date of December 31, 2025.
• Approved a provisional Microbusiness Class A license to Baldwin Provisions LLC d/b/a Lettuce, of 919 Michigan St., Niles.
• Approved the request from Indiana Michigan Power for easements located at 1311 Fort Street, 1325 Fort Street, and 1646 Huron St., Niles.
• Accepted the bid from Future Construction of Watervliet, Michigan in the amount of $6,280 to replace a roof at 1640 Michigan St., Niles, with the expense to be paid with CDBG funds.
• Accepted the bid from Ace Plumbing and Heating of Stevensville, Michigan in the amount of $24,720 to replace the HVAC system, water heater, and upgrade electrical at 1351 Ferry St., Niles, with the expense to be paid with CDBG funds.
• Accepted the bid from Airlux Heating and Cooling of Niles, Michigan in the amount of $13,694 to replace the HVAC system at 2006 Ontario Rd., Niles, with the expense to be paid for by area foundations.